Sudokuaholics Anonymous 10

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
Henry David Thoreau

Trip down memory lane so skip if you've had enough of that! It took a long time for my mother to live the life she had imagined. She had what you would call a 'tough life'. Her parents were abusive (great grandparents, terrible parents), her sister manipulative (mum got several beatings for things her sister did, and there is a lot more she did) My father was physically and mentally abusive and she lived in a time when leaving was very very hard. (All those people complaining about America becoming socialist take note! Though those people are on facebook not here). There was never a lot of money. Then he died when she was 36 and she had to raise 3 children on her own with no skills (wives don't work or go to school, ask my father, he would have not looked like a man) She became a cleaner. I did her jobs for her a couple of times when she went off on holidays, it sucked big time! She dated another man for a couple of years (her sister tried to steal him), he was not abusive but he was not supportive either. At 45 she finally started to study art - she had been drawing on and off for a long time. At 46 she quit the course and started a nursing course because there wasn't any money in art. Her patients and coworkers loved her (mostly) but her bosses didn't. (There are some funny stories there). She did markets (swap meets) to cover the difference between her salary and the cost of living. That was physically hard work but she was beginning to use her talent to create folk art - one day I'll post some photos. She met the 'love of her life' in her late 50's. They bought a caravan and travelled quite a bit. He lost a leg to diabetes and they travelled less. Then she and her partner tried to travel around Australia and he almost lost his other leg. She quit nursing as a profession, but nursed him at home and continued to do markets. Her mother died and she was screwed out of most of her inheritance. With what was left she bought a house with my brother (you will always have a place to live, yeah right) She quit nursing as a profession, but nursed him at home and continued to do markets. She met the prime minister. My brother had a nervous breakdown and sold the house out from under her. She lived with me for a while which was never going to work. She decided to buy a house so went searching on the internet (actually back then she had someone search for her). The house she wanted was sold but along the way she found this one. The rest you pretty much know now.

Suzy - fate can be a wonderful thing that after such a tough life she chose that town, probably because the price was right and found a loving supportive community to finish her days in. Was the Art community already established or did she help establish that?

The farm is READY!

Suzy.... several pages ago, I posted my favorite poem "Invictus". It sounds like it was written for her "unconquerable soul". So many people have awful lives, and never dig themselves out of it. She found herself, and did it herself. And she didn't do it by halves.

Carol.... We celebrate your life!

just over 2 hours to game time!!!

Cyn, someone had already started the grant process but mum was instrumental in getting the gallery set up and looking good. It was hard work. Among other things she had to battle people who wanted to put crocheted tea towels etc in it. She started painting days and painting lessons to keep the supply of paintings up, but also to transfer the joy of painting to others. There is a video made by the school kids and in it they ask why she wants children to learn to paint. She said I started late and wanted you all to start young.

I wouldn't mind betting that she painted the walls etc too.

Heidi, congrats on getting everything ready! It wasn't that long ago that you didn't think it would happen...

I've been vacuuming. (I don't think it's swearing if it's not your house?) I made the mistake of opening another 'container', this one a cane basket made to look like a house. She has collected so much stuff!! The problem is that it's good stuff, not bin stuff. She threw junk away, but couldn't part with anything halfway decent.

It happened because IH wasn't around, and I was organized. They won't be here until 2 pm tomorrow, so I have time to do anything I may have forgotten.

Taking yet another break... because it's emotional too I can only do little bits at a time. I'm not losing it though, being a good girl. If mum saw me crying she's put her arm around me and say 'you b1tch'.

Mum was known for her colourful language...

Good maEn everyone! Long day today, 2 showings on the house today...We'll see.
Suzy: It sounds like your mum was VERY creative!
It's sometimes funny what people keep. I spent several hours last week boxing up my Mary Kay inventory. I now have a craft/computer room. Looked at my desk today, there is this black & white stuffed dog I have had for YEARS! One of the guys I worked with at a title insurance company had it on his desk & gave it to me when I left the company. I smile every time I see it, that's probably why I can't part with it.
Heidi: Good for you getting the farm ready.
That's all I can remember for now, TTFN

Boy, I must have had a huge sleep deficit! I have napped on and off throughout the day. I remember 3 naps! Just woke from one, know I slept at least an hour that time.

VENTING ABOUT PHONE SERVICE, read or not, your choice.
My phone was out last week for 3 days, then out and on and out again 3 times over this past weekend. Today repairman came but says it is inside my house and I do not have the optional repair plan. I took a phone out to the box, phone co is responsible for the line all the way to the box, and there is no signal there. Phoned them again, now another 3 day wait! My DSL also went out the first time I used it after he checked the line, but I was able to get that back again. I am seriously considering doing without a home phone, going with my cell only, and keep the DSL line. AGHHHH!!

OK, think I will go read a bit, Hugs to each of you, with extras.

MizT.... when you move, this won't be a problem any more.

I'm off to water and feed birds, feed puppies, then crash.

I got a call from the phone/internet/TV company that they're gonna turn our service off tomorrow because IH didn't pay the bill AGAIN! I insisted that HE drive to their office tomorrow morning to pay it. At least this is the last time this can happen. After this, the auto-pay kicks in.

Everybody fed and watered. Now off to bed. The only thing I really need to do in the morning is to get some bottled water and ice in case people are thirsty.

Hi, Sudokuaholics! No time to read again today. I need to get to bed soon. We need to get up at 5:30 to get to our doctor for physicals.

Thinking of all of you and sending good thoughts and vibes! {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

Julie, glad to see you pop in.
Zusy, love the stories of your Mum, guess you are learning at lot about her too.
Heidi, Yay! for having the farm ready with time to spare. Grrr! nothing more than you expected from IH.

Chuckling out loud and thought I should post before I finish reading and lose it...
Only YOU Suzy would tap into what I hope so neatly... LOL... much as I want to find them I really hope to get to sort all the $hit before they come to light. Really fear that my motivation may dwindle..

Perhaps I should invite the girls for lunch on my birthday.. that will encourage me to keep at it!!

Tricia the other day I was cleaning out the storage area under my bed.. found an afternoons assortment of interesting memorabilia that will be easier to toss... it was my Father in laws.. LOL Pete will enjoy going through it. It is close to the time of the year that I most enjoy working in the garden so I really need to up the anti so I have a clear consciense to be outdoors..

I've already lost what else I was going to say...

Zusy I love reading your stories.
Your reactions will also be a record for you to look back on.. reflect on your healing. What a unique and special way to do it ... within the embrace of the communities love for your mother.
As you know that part of the world is my stamping ground.. that sort of community that I was accustomed to is what I missed most when I came to the city.... and why I will probably end up back in the bush.

Suzy, love hearing about your Mum.
Tricia, so pleased the sale went well and hope you have caught up with your sleep.
Heidi, I am sure the farm visit will be a success and hope it is a nice sunny day,
Had a draw at bowls today. I put down a stunning bowl at the end but earlier my game had been very average.

A wise woman called me today and reminded me it's okay to remember that mum wasn't perfect. I love my sudoku friends!!!

June, at least you've got the great bowl to remember!

Tricia, so glad you made a good profit at the yard sale.

Morning all. Coffee is ready, help yourself.

Mama update. I got a message from Michella this morning. Mama is in good spirits, good energy and they are starting to wean her off the ventilator. Had a funny incident with her hearing aids. Nurse put them in but forgot to take the paper off, so she could not hear.

Talk to you all later.

That is fantastic news Tami.
Thanks for the update.

Thanks Tami, was wondering how Mama was.
I love my Sudoku friends too, they are like animals...unconditional love.

Who you calling an animal????

You do know, of course, that I consider that the highest compliment of all.

SO glad, and SO relieved, that Mamacita is improving. I have been worrying myself sick over her.

Suzy.... that is indeed a wise woman. She spoke truth.

Yep Heidi, you were an aminal in previous lives, it shows.
Keep up the prayers and love for Mama and her family, especially Michella.

And of course Zusy! Doing it alone is not easy, we are there with you girl.

Julie, hope all goes well with your physicals today. As my father in law always said, "Hope you get a good report"

Yes, Heidi, l9o9king forward to moving and so many annoying things will not move with me!! I do hope Gil gets to the office and pays bill in a timely fashion today. You need your internet, you need to talk to us.

ahh, forgot to type as I read, lets see what I remember. I too feel the unconditional love from this group. Laughed at heidi being an animal in former life. I always said Al was previously a cat, he could talk to his cats and they did as they were told.

It is always good to remember that our dearly departed were not perfect, and we could be upset with the imperfect parts, without taking away the love we feel for them.

off to my coffee and toast, I hope to return later. Hugs to each of you with extras.

The crowd will be here in 3 hours for the Farm Tour. I've done the best that I can do, and I'm not going to fret if the place isn't perfect. This IS a working farm, after all. And that's what they're coming to see.

Good Maen everyone. Allergies in full swing this morning.
Glad to hear Mamacita is doing so much better. Thanks for the updates TTT.
Not much else going on here. Going to try to take it easy till my allergy meds kick in.
Planning on making fritattas with turkey, swiss & bacon, will see if I have the energy later.
Might just play couch potato.
Sent a FB message to my sister Melanie the other day. Waiting for an answer. It's been a while since we've talked...Take care all. Love & Hugs with extras!
TTFN

My part of the tour is done. IH is taking them around and showing them the hay fields and the sheep and goats. There was only a small group this time.
Now I'm planning on moving more hay. There should only be 2 trips left using both the hay hauler and the 16 ft trailer. If Robert didn't have to leave early, we could do both of them today. But he has to go to the nursing home to be with his grandfather. They just got a call that the end is near.

I decided to push on after Robert left, and FINALLY got all of that hay moved. I won't be buying any hay this year, either, since my fields will be producing more. It's such a good feeling to finish a big job.

The nursing home told Robert that his grandfather could have 2 hours or 2 days. No more. I told him not to come back to work. He needed to be with his family.

Also, my friend with cancer who had to get 6 liters of fluid drained over the weekend is going back tomorrow to get more fluid drained. She's almost as bloated as she was before it was drained. This is NOT a good sign. I talked to her a couple of hours ago, and it was not fun. She spent most of the time shouting hateful things about her daughter. I'm beginning to think her mind is affected, too. It's really hard being a friend to her right now.

Morning all,
Heidi, that sounds just like Gil, let you do all the work and then take all the credit... My thoughts are with Robert. All of the grandkids visited mum, we think she waited until they left to let herself go.

Heidi, how awful!

Heidi, glad the tour went well. Keeping you and your friend in my thoughts.

Suzy, that sounds like a grandma. See all the kiddies but not let them see you sick. Your mom sounds like an amazing person and I am glad to be hearing the stories about her.